NJ Arts in Health Initiative

University collaborative partners : Montclair State University School of The Arts; Center For Children and Families, Rutgers University; Rutgers University School of Social Work Continuing Education and Professional Development Program.

A collaborative project to facilitate, document and demonstrate the interrelationships between the arts and health in the State of New Jersey through such partners as universities, hospitals, community organizations and state agencies.
According to the World Health Organization, good health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being; as defined by Dr. Kenneth Pelliter- "health is functioning at your best, whatever it is you do."Health needs to be recognized as an ongoing process of self-discovery, manifesting a positive influence on the world around us. Thus we embrace a definition of health as including not only personal health and healing, but holistic community life and well-being. The project seeks to promote healthy communities and lifestyles as a creative, active and ongoing process.
The project seeks to facilitate the understanding of the interrelationship between the arts and personal health and healing, public health issues such as substance abuse, HIV AIDS, violence prevention, community revitalization, and empowering families and youth at risk.
We can place the arts on a continuum, in which they impact health, from prevention through treatment; enhance service delivery in healthcare institutions, promote healthy communities and lifestyles and offer support for individuals suffering with chronic health conditions including substance abuse.
Research specific to the arts emerging from the UK,USA,Canada, Australia indicates that participation and involvement in creative activity can contribute to better health and stronger communities and that there is a strong correlation between the health of individuals and that of their community.

Objectives:
1. Raise awareness of the impact and positive effects of the arts on individual, community health and arts in healthcare environments from prevention through treatment
2.Train and educate on the utilization and incorporation of the arts in health across the continuum
3.Serve as a resource: document New Jersey programs, disseminate research and model program information, provide technical assistance on evaluation, developing, planning and implementating, develop an artists directory.
4. Provide opportunities for networking and communication.

May 10th: 3rd Arts in Health Symposium at Montclair State University

Topic: Autism

May 24th, 7-9Pm: Creating Value For The Arts, panel/discussion at Englewood Public Library

Call to register for all educational programs and workshops: 732 591-2362 or email artsinhealth@aol.com